Because the OUA has 12 teams competing, it necessitates a longer post-season schedule. Consequently, the first round of the playoffs in the OUA occurs during the same week that each of the other three conferences are playing their last regular season games. The four conference champions automatically qualify for the U Sports men's soccer championship. Men's Soccer Championship The U Sports Men's Soccer Championship, first established in 1972, features eight teams in single elimination matches to determine a national champion. The championship hosts 11 games over four days at a predetermined host venue. The host team is automatically qualified for the tournament, as is each of the conference champions. Another berth is awarded to the second-place finisher in the Ontario conference and the two remaining spots are awarded to the second-place finisher in each of the remaining conferences. If an OUA team is hosting, three teams from the OUA qualify. Teams Atlantic University Sport Canada West Universities Athletic Association Ontario University Athletics Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec Soccer careers of alumni U Sports was previously not geared towards producing professional soccer players, though some U Sports players have turned pro. U Sports players are not eligible for the MLS SuperDraft, but are able to be selected in the CPL or USL draft. Top players in high schools and sports academies may opt not to play in U Sports so that they can turn pro directly. Despite this, some U Sports alumni in the pro ranks include Haidar Al-Shaiban (Western), Nana Attakora (York), Gabe Gala (Toronto), Srdjan Djekanović (UBC). Since 2019, U Sports men's soccer players have been eligible for the CPL–U Sports Draft, a draft conducted by the Canadian Premier League. This has allowed Canadian University Soccer players to have a direct route to a professional league after post secondary school. The creation of the USPORTS-CPL Draft has given a pathway to dozens of players since its inception. Not only do professional clubs now focus on drafting these players but they will be invited to training camps during the University’s Offseason allowing for greater development. For those not drafted or signed they can return to school; if eligibility remains. References External links University and college soccer in Canada Soccer leagues in Canada